Southend woman died after intervening in dogs' nugget fight

Southend woman died after intervening in dogs' nugget fight

Michelle Hempstead tragically passed away after intervening in a fight between her two dogs over a chicken nugget, an inquest revealed. The 34-year-old died from a single bite from one of her dogs at her residence in Southend-on-Sea in July 2024. Her partner, Samuel West, who witnessed the incident, explained to police that she got “caught in the crossfire” while trying to separate her pomeranian and rottweiler-mastiff crossbreed.

The inquest at Essex Coroner’s Court disclosed that Ms. Hempstead suffered a severe dog bite around her left armpit and upper arm. The bite severed an artery and a vein, leading to multi-organ failure. Trigg, the rottweiler-mastiff cross involved in the incident, was confiscated and euthanized promptly. Mr. West defended Trigg character, describing him as a gentle dog who adored Ms. Hempstead and had no aggressive tendencies.

Acting Insp James McLean-Brown of Essex Police recounted that Ms. Hempstead collapsed outside her flat and experienced a “catastrophic injury” from the dog bite and significant blood loss. She was pronounced dead in the early hours of the following day. Reports indicated that two XL bully-type dogs were associated with Mr. West’s property but were not present during the unfortunate incident. Mr. West clarified that these dogs were not illegal breeds and were not involved in the tragic event.

Describing the deceased as resilient, bold, hardworking, and generous, Karen, Ms. Hempstead’s mother, paid tribute to her daughter in a heartfelt letter read out in court. Senior coroner for Essex, Lincoln Brookes, reflected on the “double tragedy” of Ms. Hempstead’s untimely demise, coming just weeks after the loss of her eldest daughter. In a verdict of accidental death, Mr. Brookes attributed the unfortunate incident to the unintended consequences of an otherwise innocent act

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